Iowa State University offers a four-year DVM program in Ames. Applicants use VMCAS and complete an Iowa State supplemental application. A bachelor's degree is not required, but applicants need 64 semester credits, foundational coursework, and at least a 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Veterinary, animal, or research experience is encouraged; no minimum number of hours is required. Iowa State does not use Casper or conduct admissions interviews.
- Program
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Credential
- DVM
- Location
- Ames, Iowa, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Interview
- No interview
- Seats
- 166
- Length
- Four years
Casper Requirement for Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine
Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine does not require Casper for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Casper is not used in DVM admissions.
Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine Application Deadlines 2027-2028
- Apply through
- VMCAS
- Application fee
- Iowa State supplemental processing fee: $80 for U.S. citizens or $95 for international applicants; waived for degree-seeking Iowa State students and alumni. Eligible VMCAS fee-waiver recipients can request a supplemental fee waiver.
All applicants complete the online ISU Veterinary Medicine Supplemental Application. Verify transcript credits through VMCAS before submitting.
Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine Admissions Statistics
Period: Class of 2030, entered Fall 2026
- Seats / class size: 166
- Average GPA: Mean required-science GPA 3.54; mean last-45-credit GPA 3.72
Eligibility Requirements for Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine
- Degree / credits
A bachelor's degree is not required. Complete 64 semester credits and the foundational coursework by the end of the spring term before entry.
- Language proficiency
Non-native English speakers must present TOEFL 600 PBT or 100 iBT, or IELTS 7.0, when applying; graduates of U.S. institutions may receive an exemption at the college's discretion.
Focus on the specified foundational prerequisite courses. Out-of-state applicants, including from states such as Massachusetts, may be admitted by meeting the stated benchmarks.
Selection Factors Iowa State University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Upper-level biomedical science | required 9 semester credits |
| General chemistry I and II | required 7 semester credits; lab |
| Organic chemistry I | required 4 semester credits; lab; organic chemistry II not required |
| Biochemistry | required 3 semester credits |
| Physics I | required 4 semester credits; lab |
| General biology I and II | required 8 semester credits; cellular and organismal biology with labs |
| Genetics or animal breeding | required 3 semester credits |
| Anatomy and/or physiology | required 3 semester credits |
| English composition | required 6 semester credits |
| Oral communication | required 3 semester credits |
| Arts, humanities and/or social sciences | required 6 semester credits |
| Electives | required 8 semester credits |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Iowa State weighs its required-science prerequisite GPA and last-45-credit GPA equally in the academic review. For repeated courses, it uses the most recent grade; the required-science GPA is not the VMCAS-calculated science GPA.
- Minimum
- 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA; required-science GPA cutoff set annually; no minimum last-45-credit GPA.
The required-science GPA cutoff for the upcoming entry term has not been published. Required courses need a grade of C or better; pending courses do not count toward the initial science-GPA cutoff.
Admissions tests
- TOEFL or IELTS (required for some applicants): Non-native English speakers: TOEFL 600 PBT/100 iBT or IELTS 7.0 at application; a U.S.-institution graduate may be exempted at the college's discretion.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
Aim for at least 200 hours of quality paid or voluntary veterinary, animal, or research experience. There is no minimum number of hours required to qualify for admission; breadth, responsibility, and understanding of the profession matter.
Supplementary application
All applicants complete Iowa State's online supplemental application after starting VMCAS and obtaining a VMCAS ID. VMCAS Program Materials include additional Iowa State questions. Submit three electronic evaluations through VMCAS; up to six are accepted, and a veterinarian's evaluation is strongly recommended.
How applicants are ranked
The academic review and application review each count for 50%. Academic review weighs the required-science and last-45-credit GPAs equally. Application review considers essays, recommendations, activities, experience, personal development, and special circumstances. The Admissions Committee ranks applicants; the Dean approves offers in rank order. Casper and interviews are not used.
Interview Format at Iowa State University
Format: No interview
The College of Veterinary Medicine does not conduct interviews. The Dean reviews and approves based on application materials.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine
- Program length
- Four years
- Structure
Years one through three integrate classroom instruction and laboratories. Year 4 is a full clinical year in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
- Campuses
- Ames
The four-year DVM professional curriculum emphasizes in-person learning and builds foundational knowledge in veterinary sciences. Small animal option students complete VCS 455 and 456 blocks at least once, with one satisfying the block requirement. The college also offers a one-year non-thesis Master's in Biomedical Sciences for pre-professional development, separate from the DVM track.
Campus and facilities
Ames, Iowa. Year 4 clinical training is in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students confirm the prerequisite courses prepare them effectively for the rigorous curriculum. Students report the schedule demands strong time management, as early sleep deprivation can impact mental health long-term.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine Application
- Build varied veterinary, animal, or research experience; aim for 200 hours, although there is no qualifying minimum.
- Complete 64 semester credits and the foundational courses; review your cumulative, required-science, and last-45-credit GPAs.
- Start VMCAS to obtain your ID, then complete Iowa State's supplemental application and request at least three evaluations.
- Prepare strong VMCAS essays and accounts of your activities and experiences; Iowa State does not use Casper or admissions interviews.
- Research costs and funding options and track remaining requirements on a pre-vet checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa State University Veterinary Medicine
Does Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine require Casper?
No. Casper is not used in DVM admissions.
What is the minimum GPA for Iowa State Vet Med admissions?
The cumulative undergraduate minimum is 2.5. Iowa State sets its required-science GPA cutoff annually and has no minimum last-45-credit GPA; the cutoff for the upcoming entry term has not been published.
Does Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine require a bachelor's degree?
No. Complete 64 semester credits and the foundational coursework by the end of the spring term before entry.
Are interviews required for Iowa State Veterinary Program?
No. The college does not conduct admissions interviews; the Dean approves offers in Admissions Committee rank order.
How much veterinary experience does Iowa State Vet School expect?
Aim for at least 200 hours of quality veterinary, animal, or research experience. There is no minimum number of hours required to qualify.
When does the Iowa State Veterinary supplemental application open?
The opening date for the upcoming entry term has not been published. Begin VMCAS first to obtain the ID needed for the supplemental application.
What is the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine curriculum structure?
The DVM takes four years, with classroom and laboratory study followed by clinical training.
Can out-of-state students get into Iowa State Vet Med?
Yes. Out-of-state applicants can apply; admission is based on the college's academic and application reviews, not Casper.
Sources
- vetmed.iastate.edu: application requirements
- vetmed.iastate.edu: foundational course requirements
- advisingcenter.uiowa.edu: guide
- vetmed.iastate.edu: pre vet checklist
- vetmed.iastate.edu: college student information
- vetmed.iastate.edu: Class Profile Fall 2024 Admits Includes NE with Ethnicity FINAL
- vetmed.iastate.edu: Class Profile 2025
- vetmed.iastate.edu: curriculum
- catalog.iastate.edu: collegeofveterinarymedicine
- vetmed.iastate.edu: ISU CVM Overview Booklet
- vetmed.iastate.edu: small animal curriculum
- catalog.iastate.edu: vdpam
- vetmed.iastate.edu: selection criteria
Last updated: September 26, 2026